Thursday, August 25, 2016

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Exemplar

The original is from Koninklijke Bibliotheek, KB, KA 16, Folio 72v. I chose and sketched it, painted the base coat and the black on Aug. 24. I did the whitework, blackwork, and laid down the size on Aug. 25, after which I composed the text and calligraphed it (getting a really bad case of calligrapher's hand along the way...)

The text reads:

Pól and Caitriona, by right of arms prince and princess of Insulae Draconis. For as much as you, Aodhan dha Cheist, have demonstrated not only skill but also great joy and exuberance on the archery field, rising to the rank of master archer, you have also distinguished yourself with the rapier, and thus do we the abovenamed princes do by this charter create the said Aodhan a member of the Order of the Fox. Datum apud Lough Devnaree iii septembris a.s. li.

Friday, August 5, 2016

The exemplar for this piece was Codex Claustroneoburgensis 389 f.74r, a 15th C German manuscript. I just love this particular pattern and combination of colors -- it's so weirdly modern. I've wanted to do it for ages, so was very happy to have the opportunity to use it here!

The text reads:

Pol and Caitriona, prince and prince of Insulae Draconis, to our
servant Thomas Bainbridge of Manchester, salutations and
greetings. Insofar as by the ordination of the right of arms we
have ascended the thrones of princely might, it is right that in
our deeds we altogether reward those by whose gifts and services
we are exalted. There fore we, desiring that ancient custom as
well as solemn laws to remain in vigour and prosperity, and en
deavouring to recognise and elevate such persons as have con
tributed richly to our realm, the likes of the above-named Tom of Manche-
ster who has served us most especially through labouring as our Gauntlet Pur-
suivant, maintaining and recording all manner of worthy challenges, skirmishes,
and duels throughout our lands, do by our princely authority proclaim and affirm
that the aforenamed Thomas is to be recognised as a lord, with all the rights,
responsibilities, and privileges attendant thereto, and for the recognition of which
we charge the said lord Thomas to consult with our heralds and to devise suitable and
unique arms. Datum apud Castellum de Raglan, super Festo de Raglan, a.s. lj.

This was originally given out at Raglan, but the recipient sadly couldn't make it then, so it was held in secret and re-given at October crown.